Jobs and People

HYDROVISION speaker spotlight: Jason Thackston, Avista

HYDROVISION speaker spotlight: Jason Thackston, Avista

Jason Thackston, senior vice president, energy resources with Avista in the U.S., will be speaking during the opening keynote session at HYDROVISION International 2021.

Avista — one of two host utilities for the event — was founded in 1889 and is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is its operating division, providing electricity to nearly 340,000 customers and natural gas to about 300,000 customers across 30,000 square miles and four northwestern states. As of the end of 2019, more than half of Avista’s electricity generation mix was renewables, with the majority of that being hydropower.

In addition, Alaska Energy and Resources Company, an Avista subsidiary, provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company.

Avista’s energy resources group is primarily responsible for producing or procuring the electricity and natural gas to serve Avista’s customers’ needs, including the construction, operation and maintenance of its generation facilities and optimization of those facilities for the benefit of Avista’s customers. The energy resources group also includes environmental affairs and real estate, including compliance with, and management of, the hydroelectric facility operating licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Thackston joined the company in 1996, where he previously held leadership positions in customer solutions, energy delivery, finance, risk management, investor relations and corporate development. Avista owns eight hydroelectric facilities with a combined generating capacity of 1,080 MW.

Thackston holds a bachelor of arts degree from Whitworth University with a major in international studies and an emphasis in business management. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University. He serves on several boards, including Whitworth University, the Spokane County United Way and the Association of Washington Business.

The opening keynote session kicks off HYDROVISION International 2021 and sets the stage for several days of training, networking and opportunities to engage with members of the global hydropower industry. The session is open to all attendees.

Thackston will be giving a welcome address, discussing hydropower’s vital role in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and covering how hydro fits into Avista’s overall portfolio.

HYDROVISION International takes place July 27-29, 2021, in Spokane, Wash., U.S. Click here to learn more and plan your trip.